1996 Ford Windstar: tire blowout or tread separation

Filed May 16, 2011 · Engine, Transmission · 125,000 miles · WA

I purchased a 1996 ford windstar van 3.0 l in june 2010. I have had numerous issues with this vehicle from day 1 to current most dangerous is the blowing spark plug which has blown out 2 times forcing me to drive it to a place where it could be parked for repair first time blow out was 7 days after purchase repaired by a mechanic now 2000 miles later again blew out ford should be ashamed of themselves for ignoring such a huge hazard this could seriously ignite fuel fumes and cause a major fire, explosion while some one is driving with there children to find a repair shop unaware of the danger and damage this could cause, second issue is a failing shifting module or tranny and this has happened alot driving and all of a sudden the vans transmission shifts to a 1st or 2nd gear causing extreme change in speed and in heavy traffic we have almost been rearended several times due to this issue, vessil must be pulled over and trans reset by shifting to park and sometimes shutting off the vehicle and starting it again.ford dealer gave us a 3000. Estimate to replace transmission and told us we would continue to replace trans aprox every 70,000 miles this is a chump way to build cars and they have managed to get more money out of repairs than sales I will never own another ford again safe or not. Ford should be forced to reclaim all these dangerous vehicles and replace all money spent on repairs and purchase of the vehicles due to endangering and there is no way they didn't know about these problems.

Filed May 3, 2005 · Acceleration · 94,125 miles · LA

Consumer states: needle on speedometer was wobbling . Also, tire blew out with about 20,000 miles on it. The whole side wall of the tire blew out. 35 psi, b.f.goodwrich, advantage plus,1996 windstar van.

Filed Jul 25, 2002 · Wheels · PA

While traveling on the highway the rim of the tire is cutting inside bead of the tire causing a blow out. The dealership is aware of the problem.

Filed Mar 25, 2002 · Engine · OH

Noticed check engine light on in december 2001. Looked in manual and said needed to complete 3 cooled complete cycles, but light didn't go off. Started leaking coolant and temperature gauge would go to hot. Heater would blow out cold air. Took to an independent mechanic and was told it had a cracked block and that ford has had these same problems with previous years. Contacted dealership and they are unwilling to do anything to help out. Am in the process of contacting ford company to see if they will be willing to help. Please follow up with any information. At this point my family of 5 is driving around in a small pick up truck beause I am unable to drive the van since told it could stop on me at anytime and cause even more damage.

Filed Jul 24, 2001 · Tires · CA

Consume rwas traveling on a main highway and heard a noise, rear passenger tire tread separated. Tires were bought on july 16, and tire blewout. Tire size p20570 r15. Hancock tires dealership was aware of problem.

Filed May 20, 2001 · Suspension · NY

Driver heard bang, then rubbing noise. Smelled and saw smoke and pulled over thinking car was on fire. After coming to a stop, driver and passenger heard explosion. Front left coil spring broke and rubbed inner tire side wall causing blowout.

Filed Feb 16, 2001 · Suspension · NY

Consumer could hear a weard noise, then smelled something burning, front tire blewout because of a coil spring puncturing tire.

Filed Jan 31, 2001 · Suspension, Tires · OH

While driving 20 -25 MPH consumer heard a crunching sound. Then, felt like something was rubbimg on wheel. Front left tire blewout, and front of vehicle dropped to ground, front coil spring had broken.

Filed Jan 30, 2001 · Suspension · MI

Coild sring failed, causing front tire to be shredded and blow out.

Filed Oct 10, 2000 · Tires · PA

All 4 goodyear aquatread ii tires showed signes of tread separation and were replaced, tire size p215/r0r15, dot mkm02dhr477.

Filed Jul 23, 1998 · Tires · IL · crash · 1 injury

When traveling at 35 MPH when the left rear tire blew out, pushing the vehicle into another lane, causing an accident, and resulting in injuries to the driver. Consumer has contacted the dealer. Please provide any further details.

Filed Jul 17, 1998 · Tires · IN

Kelly-springfield superguard gt p205/70r15 tire blew out prior to recall repairs. However, tire serial number did not match the recall serial numbers as stated in recall letter. Dealer did replace tire.